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MWDN: State grant credited with creating jobs

March 10, 2010

March 10, 2010By Paul Crocetti, The MetroWest Daily News

The state’s $2.5 million grant for sewer upgrades in Hopkinton creates a ripple effect of jobs and economic development, Gov. Deval Patrick said at Lonza Biologics, one of three local companies he visited yesterday.

The grant paves the way for Hopkinton to send some of its sewage to neighboring Milford once a cross-border pipeline is completed. The project will increase sewage capacity in the town’s Elmwood Park and South Street industrial areas, allowing businesses such as Lonza to grow.

The Massachusetts Opportunity Relocation and Expansion grant is projected to create 102 new jobs.

Sometimes people think biotechnology is just about scientists but this project will affect a varied group of departments, including engineering and human resources, Patrick said.

The project marks a partnership between state and local officials, said state Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland.

“This is a really big deal, not only for Hopkinton, but also for MetroWest and the state,” Spilka said. “This is exactly the type of targeted investment we should be making and we are making.”

The project is complicated, said Paul Matthews, executive director of the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership.

“I think it speaks to the importance of the project, that they were able to achieve regulatory coordination” regarding economic development and environmental permitting, Matthews said.

Hopkinton will pay for sewer upgrades in Milford and for sewer hookups for some of its neighbor’s homes. The plan calls for Hopkinton to send 204,000 gallons per day to Milford.

The earliest sewage could start flowing is July, when Hopkinton receives the second half of the state grant and can pay Milford in full.

The grant will help Lonza, a producer of pharmaceutical ingredients at 97 South St., take advantage of its original investment in Hopkinton, said Michael Cicio, site manager and vice president of operations.

Patrick also toured of Arteriocyte Medical Systems and Caliper Life Sciences yesterday morning.

Caliper aims to create 70 to 130 new jobs by 2014. The company provides technologies for researchers to create quick and efficient medicines and diagnostic tests.

“Our work environment is amazing,” said Paula Cassidy, senior vice president of human resources.

The company, at 68 Elm St., has a diverse work force, including recent college graduates, Cassidy said.